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Regardless of the stage, from adolescence to post-menopause, women need integrated medical care, bringing a better quality of life, in addition to preventing gynecological diseases.

October is breast cancer awareness month. But, in addition to this disease, women are increasingly exposed to diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol and diabetes, among other problems triggered mainly by unhealthy habits of contemporary life, which can culminate in more serious diseases throughout life. life.

How to protect yourself and ensure health and quality of life? This is where a modern concept of medicine comes into play: comprehensive care for women’s health. “This approach requires a global view of women to offer complete care in different aspects of their health, according to each stage of life. It is preventive action and guidance to avoid diseases or, when they happen, to have a better prognosis in the treatment”, explains Dr. Edilberto Rocha, gynecologist and obstetrician, coordinator of the Maternal-Infant line at Hospital Santa Joana Recife (PE).

According to him, the gynecologist – the main doctor present almost throughout a woman’s life – plays a fundamental role in promoting integral health, evaluating the patient in a global way. “In regular consultations, in addition to gynecological exams, he must also measure blood pressure and request other exams, such as those that allow him to check cholesterol levels, risk of diabetes, etc. If there are changes, the gynecologist refers the patient to other specialists”, says Dr. Edilberto.

The most common gynecological diseases among Brazilian women are myomas (benign tumors), cysts and vaginal infections (vaginitis). But other villains have a growing presence in the female universe, including obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is also up to the gynecologist to advise on the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, practicing physical activity regularly and not smoking. And if necessary, the doctor directs her patient to specialists, such as: nutritionist, physical educator or even to a smoking cessation program, for example.

This care by the gynecologist from a global perspective makes all the difference. “In this way, we act not only in the prevention and treatment of gynecological diseases, but in the promotion of integral health, with the involvement of other specialists whenever necessary”, says Dr. Edilberto.

When to start consultations with the gynecologist? What are the important care at each stage of life?

Puberty and Adolescence

Before the first period, the girl begins to show changes in the body associated with hormonal changes. It is at this time that she must make her first visit to the gynecologist, who will evaluate the development of organs, hormones, etc.

After the first period, which today usually happens around the age of 11 or 12, the specialist will pay attention to the menstrual flow, which is usually irregular, and will work to correct any changes that could be harmful.

In adolescence, when sexual life usually begins, the doctor will advise on contraceptive methods and resources (such as the use of condoms) to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. At this stage, the Pap smear also begins, which allows for the early detection of cervical cancer, vaginal infections and inflammations and some sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, gonorrhea and HPV (types of viruses associated with the development of cervical cancer). cervix).

adult

The annual routine of consultations includes a gynecological check-up, with Pap smears and ultrasound to evaluate the pelvic and vaginal region.

When pregnant, the woman starts to have the care of the obstetrician (who is often the gynecologist himself), to monitor the child’s development and the mother’s health conditions.

From the age of 40, the routine of annual exams also includes mammography and, although there are no signs of other changes, a general check-up is usually started, with a blood test to evaluate diabetes, cholesterol and functioning of the liver and kidney, among other points. Depending on the case, it may be necessary to shorten the intervals between consultations and exams.

Third Age

With the end of menstruation, women’s health will need special care more than ever. It is important to include bone densitometry (to evaluate osteopenia and osteoporosis, which are problems with bone loss), evaluation of heart function (the risk of cardiovascular disease increases with menopause) and to maintain the exams for cancer screening. . In addition, if necessary, the doctor will administer medication to relieve menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances.

take good care of yourself

  • At least once a year, make an appointment with your gynecologist for a general checkup.
  • Carry out all the tests requested by the doctor and follow the prescribed treatments strictly.
  • If he has noticed a problem or point of attention and has guided you to seek a doctor from another specialty or another health professional (a nutritionist, for example), be sure to do so.
  • Do a monthly breast self-exam. Palpate the breasts to observe any lumps or hardened spots. If you notice any changes, schedule an appointment with the gynecologist immediately.
  • Carefully take care of intimate hygiene (see article in this issue).
  • Invest in a healthy life: exercise regularly and bet on a diet with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins (chicken or fish, skimmed milk, white cheese). If you are a smoker, look for a smoking cessation program to get rid of this extremely unhealthy habit.
  • Make time for activities and hobbies that give you pleasure. This helps to reduce stress.
  • Know your body and see a doctor in case of any changes.
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